Abstract: An application mapping procedure obtains and aggregates application mapping information from a plurality of machines in a distributed system. An application dependency map, including first layer of application mapping information, is initialized, and then a first query is sent to one or more of the machines. In response, information identifying entities that have participated in predefined communications with entities identified in an existing layer of application mapping information in the application dependency map are received, and a second layer of application mapping information is added to the application dependency map, based at least in part on the information received in response to the first query. After adding the second layer of application mapping information to the application dependency map, a second query is sent to one or more of the of the endpoint machines, the second query being based at least in part on the application dependency map.

Abstract: An application mapping procedure obtains and aggregates application mapping information from a plurality of machines in a distributed system. A first layer of application mapping information is generated, identifying application entry points, each comprising a machine and a process executed by the identified machine. An application map is initialized with the first layer of application mapping information. A plurality of iterations of a predefined map gathering operation are performed, each iteration adding a layer of application mapping information to the application map, thereby producing an application map of the distributed processing of one or more respective applications. Each iteration sends queries, via one or more linear communication orbits, to machines in the distributed system, and obtains from the machines information identifying entities that have participated in predefined communications with entities identified in a most recently generated or added layer of application mapping information.

Abstract: System, method, and computer product embodiments for processing audio commands are described. A multimedia device receives a digitized audio sequence from a control device. The digitized audio sequence is associated with a display command for controlling a display device. Then, the digitized audio sequence is converted into an audio signature that corresponds to the digitized audio sequence. The multimedia device sends the audio signature to a platform server configured to use the audio signature to process the display command. After, the multimedia device receives content information from the platform server resulting from processing the display command. Then, the multimedia device causes the display device to provide media content related to the content information.

Abstract: This application is directed to a mapping method performed at a computational machine in a linear communication orbit. The computational machine receives an application definition the linear communication orbit. The application definition specifies criteria for establishing whether the computational machine executes a specified application, a component of the specified application, or communicate with another node executing the specified application or a component of the specified application. While a plurality of events are occurring locally at the computational machine, the computational machine identifies one or more operations meeting the application definition in real-time. The identified one or more operations meeting the application definition, and associated metadata are stored in a local mapping database of the computational machine and returned to the server system through the linear communication orbit in response to a map request received through the linear communication orbit.

Abstract: Method and system for providing message communications with failure detection and recovery are disclosed. At a respective node of a non-static collection of nodes forming a linear communication orbit: the node identifies, from among the non-static collection of nodes, a set of forward contacts distributed in a forward direction along the linear communication orbit; the node monitors a propagation state of a first query that has departed from the respective node to travel in the forward direction along the linear communication orbit; and upon detecting a propagation failure of the first query based on the monitoring, the node sends the first query directly to a first forward contact among the set of forward contacts to initiate a failure recovery process within at least part of a segment of the linear communication orbit between the respective node and the first forward contact of the respective node.

Abstract: Method and system for providing message communications with failure detection and recovery are disclosed. At a respective node of a non-static collection of nodes forming a linear communication orbit: the node identifies, from among the non-static collection of nodes, a set of forward contacts distributed in a forward direction along the linear communication orbit; the node monitors a propagation state of a first query that has departed from the respective node to travel in the forward direction along the linear communication orbit; and upon detecting a propagation failure of the first query based on the monitoring, the node sends the first query directly to a first forward contact among the set of forward contacts to initiate a failure recovery process within at least part of a segment of the linear communication orbit between the respective node and the first forward contact of the respective node.

Abstract: A system for managing telephone messages played by a telephone includes an integrated telephone answering device configured to playback a plurality of outgoing messages. The system further includes a first memory section to store a default outgoing message and a second memory section to store one or more custom outgoing messages. The system further includes a handset operable to send outgoing messages for storage in the base unit and to send information related to outgoing messages for storage in a database of the base unit, the information including an outgoing message identifier associated with each outgoing message and a list of calling numbers associated with each outgoing message identifier.

Abstract: A provisioning system configured to retrieve a voicemail password and/or a pilot number for a voicemail account, create a first service request directed to an over-the-air system, and send the first service request to the over-the-air system, if the provisioning system determines that the voicemail account has been initialized. The first service request instructs the over-the-air system to format a first message including the voicemail password and/or the pilot number for delivery to a mobile device. The provisioning system is further configured to create a second service request directed to the over-the-air system and send the second service request to the over-the-air system, if the provisioning system determines that the voicemail account has not been initialized. The second service request instructs the over-the-air system to format a second message including a default voicemail password and/or a default pilot number for delivery to the mobile device.

Abstract: A computing device may establish a communication session with a user equipment device (UE). The computing device may interact with the UE via interactive voice response (IVR) services and enable a first portion of the communication session to be recorded using a first recording mode. The computing device may out-dial a second portion of the communication session and enable a second portion of the communication session to be recorded using a second recording mode. A recording mode may include recording a portion of a communication session locally, streaming a portion of the communication session to a recording system, or out-dialing a portion of the communication session to enable a communication session tap to be placed on the out-dialed portion of the communication session.

Abstract: A user may accelerate or decelerate the speed of playback of a recorded message provided by an interactive voice response (IVR) system at any time during the course of listening to the recorded message. The user may provide speed control instructions using predetermined keys or buttons on a communications device to modify the speed of the recorded message playback. Alternatively or additionally, the user may speak words to adjust the speed that a recorded message is being played to them. A speed control instruction may cause some or all of the recorded message to be repeated.

Abstract: A voice message system records voice message usage information by creating voice message records when a voice message is sent and when it is received. The voice message record includes: the voice message, a voice message sender identity, a voice message recipient identity, and voice message action records. A voice message action records includes a voice message action that specifies an action on the voice message, and a voice message action time that includes the time at which the action occurs. Voice message actions include sent, received, and listened. The system further includes a voice message analyzer for analyzing voice message records, and a voice message reporter for generating reports from an analysis by the analyzer. The voice message system provides tractable information for voice messages, allowing companies to enforce a voice message usage policy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing voicemail routing information in a network that provides customized voicemail services are disclosed. According to one method, a voicemail routing query is received at an advanced voicemail routing node, where the query includes at least one parameter associated with a voicemail transaction. Based on at least one query parameter, voicemail routing information may be determined that identifies a voicemail server and a voicemail service from among a plurality of voicemail servers, where at least some of the voicemail servers provide different services. A voicemail routing query response may then be generated including the determined voicemail routing information.

Abstract: A method system and apparatus for enhancing digital voice call initiation between a first telephony device and a second telephony device is provided. Text data is associated with digital voice data conveyed between the first telephony device and the second telephony device, the associating occurring prior to initiating transmitting the digital voice data, the text data based on input data received via an input device associated with the first telephony device. The text data is transmitted to the second telephony device in conjunction with transmitting the digital voice data, the text data to be provided synchronously at the second telephony device with an announcement of the digital voice data.

Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes storing a voicemail message in a mailbox of a recipient, the voicemail message being left by a sender, and then electronically receiving one or more attachments from the sender. The one or more attachments are stored as content associated with the voicemail message. Upon accessing the mailbox, the voicemail message and the one or more attachments are provided to the recipient. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: In system and method of prioritizing a voice mail message, a voice mail message is received comprising caller information and chronological information, a voice mail priority is associated with the first voice mail message based on at least one of a matching criteria, a call history criteria, a chronological criteria, a frequency metric, and a missed call value, and a voice mail list is ordered according to the voice mail priority.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing guest mailboxes. User input to partition a voicemail box of a user is received to create a guest voicemail box. The voicemail box is partitioned to create the guest voicemail box. An access number is established for the guest voicemail box. The guest voicemail box is removed based on an expiration.

Abstract: A unified communications appliance provides integration of various types of information, regardless of the modality, in a common, centralized interface where the various types of information are grouped based on what they are related to. For example, as is common with most modalities of information exchange, there exists a “subject” that is present in one of the fields of communication. The ability to associate all of the types of communication with a common “subject” (or conversation) and provide an interface that allows access to the various types of information, regardless of the modality is provided by the unified communications interface.

Abstract: A method for providing identification for voice notifications sent to notification recipients is disclosed. The method includes receiving, from a user, a request for transmitting at least one voice notification to a plurality of notification recipients, and receiving at least one identifier related to the at least one voice notification. The method also includes associating the voice notification with the identifier, and transmitting the voice notification and the identifier. In certain instances, the method further includes transmitting an alert containing the identifier before the voice notification is transmitted. A system for providing identification for voice notifications sent to notification recipients is also provided.

Abstract: Radiocommunication device comprising a starter software module suitable to allow a simplified radio link of the radiocommunication device with a local radiocommunication network and allow a downloading, by this simplified radio link, of an update of a use software module that is contained in the radiocommunication device and that is suitable to enable a normal radio link to be set up.

Abstract: System and method for communicating information from an information provider to a recipient are provided. One illustrative application for the system and method is in a medical practice. The system and method may be used as an automated patient medical information message retrieval system to communicate certain medical information from the medical provider to patients. The system and method permits a provider of medical information, such as a physician's office, to generate messages containing medical information and to deliver the message to a destination mailbox. The patient is provided with a telephone number, personal voice mailbox number, and a personal voice mailbox PIN, to access and retrieve the medical message from the destination mailbox.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for channel mapping. At least one embodiment of a system includes an initiating component configured to initiate a communication with a communications device, the communications device being coupled to a first extension. Some embodiments include a receiving component configured to receive recording data from a plurality of extensions at a plurality of recording resources, the plurality of extensions including the first extension and at least one other extension. Similarly, some embodiments include a first determining component configured to determine a channel that received the initiated communication.

Abstract: A network-based announcement and message delivery service for providing a landline customer with information of interest such as weather, financial market data, time/temperature, sporting event results, etc. In a first embodiment, information is provided to a subscriber who simply lifts the handset of the telephone. The subscriber instead of hearing a dial tone hears the information in the form of streaming audio. In another embodiment, information is provided to the subscriber by way of information displayed on a caller-ID display and/or by way of talking caller-ID.

Abstract: A session controller configured to be coupled to a database and configured to receive an indication associated with an ingress call is disclosed. The session controller is further configured to query the database for an ingress-call peer associated with the ingress call, and to query the database for a dynamic-peer-definition template associated with the ingress call when the ingress-call peer is not identified upon query of the database. The session controller is further configured to reject the ingress call when the dynamic-peer-definition template is not identified upon query of the database.

Abstract: A handset-originated ringback replacement system for modifying or replacing certain communications network tones is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the handset-originated ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing a lifecycle of an auditory communication is disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises receiving an auditory communication with associated data representing identified keywords in the communication and call transport information. A data for a disposition of the communication is determined from a portion of the identified keywords, a portion of the call transport information, or a portion of the policies invoked. The communication is associated with the date(s).

Abstract: A database having information sought by a consumer, a database containing consumer attributes, and a database of advertising messages are made responsive to telephone calls placed to an interactive voice response (IVR) system. Alternatively, the databases can be linked to a web site responsive to consumer input. Either system can deliver the advertising messages to the consumer. The database of consumer attributes contains information already known about the consumer that can be used to decide on which advertising message to deliver. The consumer initiates activity by calling the interactive voice response system or accessing the web site. Software identifies the consumer via the consumer-inputted identification and delivers an advertising message likely appeal to the consumer. The advertising message can include an offer to purchase a product or service. The offer can be taken during the advertising period and recorded so as to be sent to a sponsor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing, maintaining and accessing recording announcements in a telecommunications system. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises at least one central office coupled to a telecommunication network. An announcement service node comprising a data schema and an application for accessing the data schema is coupled to the telecommunications network. The announcement service node is accessible by one or more central offices coupled to the telecommunications network. A storage mass is coupled to the announcement service node for storing recorded announcements.

Abstract: A network-based announcement and message delivery service for providing a landline customer with information of interest such as weather, financial market data, time/temperature, sporting event results, etc. In a first embodiment, information is provided to a subscriber who simply lifts the handset of the telephone. The subscriber instead of hearing a dial tone hears the information in the form of streaming audio. In another embodiment, information is provided to the subscriber by way of information displayed on a caller-ID display and/or by way of talking caller-ID.

Abstract: An IP PBX system that serves enterprise telephones via a landline IP network connection is be expanded to serve cellular wireless communication devices (WCD) via a cellular wireless carrier's radio access network (RAN). Calls to and from the cellular WCD are connected through the cellular carrier's RAN and the IP PBX system, so that the IP PBX system can control and manage the calls just as the IP PBX would control and manage calls involving other extensions on the IP PBX. A cellular WCD thereby becomes an IP PBX client station, i.e., an extension on the IP PBX system. As such, the cellular WCD can seamlessly benefit from many of the same IP PBX features that other more conventional IP PBX client stations (e.g., desk phones) enjoy.

Abstract: A voice-mail annotation system and method that enables callers to annotate the messages they leave at the time they leave them. Annotation may be performed using a touch screen or a telephone key-pad. In addition to allowing the caller to more clearly specify the intent of their message and the location of crucial information within the message, the annotations of this invention then allow the person retrieving the message flexibility in how they listen to the message. These choices include prioritizing the messages by the importance of subject, listening to summaries of the message and having random access to embedded information such as names and call back numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a computer and telecommunication network which can receive, send and manage information from or to a subscriber of the network, based on the subscriber's configuration. The network is made up of at least one cluster containing voice servers which allow for telephony, speech recognition, text-to-speech and conferencing functions, and is accessible by the subscriber through standard telephone connections or through internet connections. The network also utilizes a database and file server allowing the subscriber to maintain and manage certain contact lists and administrative information. A web server is also connected to the cluster thereby allowing access to all functions through internet connections.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a subscriber to interrupt a review of messages in a voice mail system (VMS), to make a call or take some other action, and to return to the same position as occupied at the time of interruption in the review of messages in the VMS. In response to an indication from the subscriber's communication to leave the review, an identifier is created to mark the position of the subscriber's communication in the review. The identifier is stored in the VMS. The VMS transmits a release message with respect to the subscriber's communication, the message including a copy of the identifier. The message may be a GR-1120 message including a remote operations (RO) parameter with the copy of the identifier. In response to the release message, a service control point (SCP) stores the copy of the identifier and causes whatever action is indicated in the message to be taken with respect to the subscriber's communication.

Abstract: A method for dynamically selecting a voice mail system to receive a call on behalf of a cellular wireless subscriber. A radio access network (RAN) receives a voice mail call request, and a policy server determines which of a plurality of voice mail systems should receive the call from the media gateway system. The policy server can make this determination based on user profile logic and/or by voice interaction with the caller. In one embodiment, the determination may be whether to set up the call to a voice mail system provided by the subscriber's wireless carrier or rather whether to set up the call to a voice mail system provided by an enterprise that serves the subscriber.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for routing and information collection for telephone calls are described. Upon initiation of a revenue generating call, a data management module creates a call interaction record, including a unique call identifier and information generated by an exchange originating the call. Call accounting information such as user identification and billing account information are collected from the user by presenting audible queries from the user and receiving voice responses. The voice responses are matched to stored information, which is stored in the call interaction record. If a voice response does not unambiguously identify the requested information, further queries may be presented to elicit more refined responses or request responses for recording and later playback. Routing information is then collected, again through audible queries and voice responses, and stored. Upon completion of the call, the call interaction record is closed and stored for later retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: A method by which one node can search for and retrieve information from another node. A message identifying the sought-for information item and an address is created at a first node. The address identifies a repository for the sought-for information. A second node receives the contents of this message and responds with the information item if the item is available. Otherwise, the second node propagates the message to other nodes. The message is propagated from node to node until it reaches a node having the sought-for information item. If this node can connect to the specified address, it sends the information item to the repository. Otherwise, the node adds the information item to the message, which is propagated to other nodes until the message reaches a node that can connect with the address. The information item can then be retrieved from the repository.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for storing received voicemail messages to alternate storage locations. A subscriber to voicemail services provides a voicemail system with an address or a number of addresses to which the subscriber may forward voicemail messages for extended storage. The subscriber may provide an electronic mail address, facsimile device number, a forwarding telephone directory number, or the address of a wireless electronic device, such as a hand-held computer, personal digital assistant, or pager. After receiving and reviewing a voicemail message left for the subscriber at the voicemail system, the subscriber may select an alternate storage address to have the voicemail message forwarded to that address for extended storage and for subsequent review and use. The message may be converted from speech-to-text at the voicemail system prior to forwarding the message.

Abstract: A voice server for hosting telephony services can include a stack interface configured to exchange telephony signaling information with a circuit-switched to packet-switched interface and a plurality of core clients, each having a call model stored therein. Each core client can be configured to select and execute at least one voice service associated with a call. The voice server further can include a speech processing system configured to convert speech to text and to convert text to speech for processing the call as well as a core processor. The core processor can be configured to distribute the telephony signaling information to the core clients and coordinate operation of the core clients and the speech processing system. The core processor also can exchange telephony signaling information with the circuit-switched to packet-switched interface via the stack interface.

Abstract: One or more voicemail system components of an apparatus in one example employ an internet protocol network to store or access one or more voicemail messages on one or more storage devices. The one or more voicemail system components are coupled with the one or more storage devices through the internet protocol network.

Abstract: A communications system is provided comprising a communal audio message recordal apparatus GAMB (10) with multiple users (12) enabled to record and access recorded messages. The recordal of each message includes capture and storage of at least one qualifying parameter pertaining to the access to the recordal means, for example the time/date or the location from which access occurred. The qualifying parameter is further checked (18) against a subsequent request for access by a user to previously recorded messages, with access only being granted to those messages having a matching qualifying parameter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for generating a prompt stream in a telephony system. At least one voice prompt associated with at least one audio stream to be played to a user of the telephony system is inserted into the prompt stream. Also inserted into the prompt stream is at least one active prompt associated with computer program instructions to be executed when the prompt stream is processed. Also provided are method and apparatus for processing the prompt stream. The at least one audio stream associated with the at least one voice prompt is played to the user, and the computer program instructions associated with the at least one active prompt are executed.

Abstract: A telephone switching system and computer implemented method to enhance the integration of an independent voice mail system and a telephone exchange switch. The system also includes telephone sets in communication with the switch and a voice mail system with the telephone sets which include a display device and a manual switch that provide an interactive relationship between the telephone set and the user. Predetermined messages are exchanged serially between the voice mail system and the telephone exchange switch to provide enhanced functionality of the telephone switching system.

Abstract: A portable telephone records a short voice memo during a call and reproduces the recorded short voice memo later. Upon detection of a voice record key input during a call, the portable telephone converts an input voice signal to voice data, stores the voice data, and determines whether a stop key is input. Upon detection of the stop key input, the telephone stops storing the voice data and displays an index number input request message. Upon detection of an index number input in response to the index number input request message, the telephone records the stored voice data in a voice memo table in association with the input index number, and determines whether a voice reproduce key is input. Upon detection of the voice reproduce key input, the telephone displays an index number input request message and determines whether the voice memo table has a voice memo corresponding to an input index number.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the problems in the existing art described above by providing a method and apparatus for specifying and obtaining services through voice commands, via a voice portal, resulting in a live conversation between a user and a selected service provider. The present invention is a system through which seekers of a wide array of services can select, contact, converse, and pay for a service provider using a simple voice-transmission medium such as the telephone. The invention enables the seeker to locate a service provider by speaking the name of a profession, such as “psychiatrist,” which is recognized by the system's voice-recognition software. In a similar fashion, the seeker can then specify by speaking aloud the price range, quality rating, language, and keyword descriptors of the service provider. Within the desired parameters, the system offers service providers who have made themselves available to render services at the present time.

Abstract: A technique for recognizing telephone numbers and other information embedded in voice messages stored in a telephone voice messaging system. A voice recognition system is coupled to the telephone voice messaging system. A voice message stored in the voice messaging system is transferred to the voice recognition system. The voice recognition system segments the voice message and then searches the segments for a predetermined speech reference model (grammar) which is expected to contain information of importance to the recipient of the message. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined is a numeric grammar which specifies a sequence of numbers occurring in the voice message. In alternate embodiments, the grammar specifies a date, a time, an address, and so forth, and can specify more than one such type of information. The grammar can be modified or selected by the recipient of the voice message so that the voice recognition system searches for information of particular interest to the recipient.

Abstract: An announcement device in an electronic switching system is disclosed. It includes a virtual recorder in an electronic switching system. This allows for using a virtual channel for recording and monitoring voice announcements without occupying a system channel. The device includes a first switch highway (SHW) control section for controlling an announcement, a second SHW control section for controlling the announcement, a SHW channel for passing control signals of the first SHW control section and the second SHW control section, and a switch coupled to the SHW channel for performing an announcement. The first SHW control section and the second SHW control section perform address latching and data latching, respectively, for the announcement. The announcement device thus allows for a recording/monitoring service or a self loop-back test, without occupying a channel among the SHW channels performing announcement services.

Abstract: A telephone device that has a call subscriber telephone number detector, a memory for memorizing a plurality of call subscriber information audio signal in advance and which can memorize an arbitrary call subscriber telephone number in correspondence with a call subscriber information audio signal arbitrarily selected from the plurality of call subscriber information audio signals, a comparator for comparing whether a call subscriber telephone number detected by the call subscriber telephone number detector is coincident with a call subscriber telephone number memorized in the memory, upon coming-call, and an electroacoustic transducer to which a call subscriber information audio signal read out from the memory is supplied, wherein when it is detected by the comparator that a call subscriber telephone number detected by the call subscriber telephone number detector is coincident with a certain call subscriber telephone number memorized in the memory, a certain call subscriber information audio signal corre

Abstract: A data communication apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving data, a memory unit for storing received data, an informing unit for, after memory reception is performed by the memory unit, automatically calling a predetermined destination and informing that memory reception is performed, and a transmitting unit for transmitting data of the memory unit in accordance with reception of a control signal.

Abstract: A memory management method for a digital answering system having a non-volatile memory, e.g., flash memory, for storing files of audio messages. In accordance with the method, a first portion of the memory is dedicated for the storage of file information, and a second portion for the storage of message data. A number of rotary storage areas are defined within the first memory portion, with said file information being stored within only one of the rotary storage areas at any given time. Following a predetermined number of write operations to the one storage area, its contents are transferred to another one of the rotary storage areas. A file allocation table is employed which maps the memory of the flash memory. A directory includes directory entries which provide a first row for message data. A data area where messages are stored includes pointers to a next sequence or word in the memory such that a chain of words or sequences in a message file are retrieved in a single access to the first portion of memory.

Abstract: The portable telephone of the present invention provides an environment in which recording/playing back of user's voice is made possible at each of the menu screens. Operations of a portable telephone can be smoothly performed by adding voice information to each menu screen. There are provided a memory device (4) for storing voice data, a microphone (1) and a speaker (7) for inputting/outputting voice, an encoder (2) and a decoder (6) for performing digital/analog conversion of voice, and a key operating portion (9) for achieving recording or playing back of voice by a first key operation and determining an input operation and executing recording or playing back of voice by a second key operation. Not only character information displayed on a display, but also guides or information by voice messages, can be obtained and, therefore, erroneous operations made by the user can be eliminated.

Abstract: A system (100) that employs media “blending” to notify a multi-media user of the use of one or more default configurations and provides an opportunity to record or reconfigure the item for the future. In particular, a system (100) according to the present invention monitors usage of a default or other predetermined setting and provides a message to the user indicative of its usage. Once the user has been notified of the usage, the user is given the option of reconfiguring from the default setting.